Dent de Marcoule and Château de Gicon

Starting from Chusclan, this is a hike over different types of terrain (tarmacked paths between vineyards, DFCI trails, single-track paths, etc.). Viewpoints over the Rhone Valley and Mont Ventoux. Visit to the medieval site of Gicon.

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 15.07 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 421 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 417 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 235 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 38 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the Chusclan social-cultural centre's car park.

(S/E) Take the 'Chemin des Rogations' eastwards. Go straight on, passing in front of the cemetery, until you reach a T-junction.

(1) Continue on the path opposite which bends 90° to the left and meets up with a crossroads where you need to turn right.

(2) In a wide bend to the right, take the path on the left which heads into the woods in the direction of 'Dent de Marcoule'. At the crossroads with the sign "Pierredon 111m", continue heading straight on in the direction of Dent de Marcoule.

(3) At the crossroads, take the path on the left which zigzags through the rocks (this section of the path does not appear on the IGN map, but it does exist). Coming out of the path through the undergrowth, you will end up at a crossroads of paths. Take the path on the right which leads to Dent de Marcoule. Leave Dent de Marcoule (antennae) in a northerly direction and continue on the path up to the first 90° bend to the left.

(4) Leave the path and take the path through the undergrowth which goes downhill on the right and ends up at a crossroads. Take the path on the left and keep going straight on, staying on the main path, until you reach a crossroads with a tarmacked path (sign DFCI-M13) which comes from the left.

(5) Turn right onto the GR42 (waymarking in White and Red) which goes down into the woods to the right towards Vénéjan/Château du Jonquier, ignoring the path opposite which leads to Vénéjan/Gicon.

(6) Around one hundred metres further on, leave the GR42 and turn left (there is a field on the left and bushes on the right), then take the path through the undergrowth on the right in the direction of Vénéjan/Saint-Etienne des Sorts/Fontaine du Renard. Go alongside the vineyard and then continue on the tarmac opposite, where you will be back on the GR42.

(7) Under the EDF cable, take the path on the left and follow alongside the vines until you reach a tarmacked path. You will now see the Châteaux of Gicon and Jonquier opposite you. Go downhill to the right via the tarmacked path and ignore another path on the left a little after.

(8) Leave the tarmacked path and take the path on the left in the direction of Gicon/La Mascadière and Vénéjan. Follow this path straight ahead up to the summit of the hill. After a brief section through undergrowth, turn right in the direction of Vénajan/Gicon/Gicon Farm, going alongside the vines until you return to tarmac.
Take the tarmacked path to the right for about 80m and then go along the vines. When the path alongside the vineyard comes to an end, return to the tarmacked path, veering to the right and follow it until you reach Gicon farm.

(9) This is a perfect location to stop for a lunch break. When you leave, take the path which heads off behind the farm in a south-west direction. At the summit of the hill, take the small steps to the right which lead to the chapel. Go around the chapel and take the path, which starts from a "filtering" gate, to then reach the site of the ruined Gicon château. Next head back downhill from the château via the path on the north side.

At the crossroads of 5 paths, take the one on the left up to the vines. When the path meets the vines, leave it and go along the vines to the left - at first, going along the path and then going down between the woods and the vines. After about 60m, you will cross a second path, but don't take it. The Gicon Château should be on your left. You will see a White arrow on the ground going in the opposite direction.

(10) At the corner of the vineyard, take the small single-track path opposite which is waymarked in Yellow (White cross on the ground). On coming out of the path, take the path on the left and re-join the DFCI via a Green gate (sign DFCI-M15).

(11) Don't take this path, instead branch off onto the path on the right in the direction of 'Point de Vue' (viewpoint) - this path is not shown on the IGN map. At the second bend on the left where there are some small gates (on the right), take the furrowed path that goes up to the right, leaving the large path to the left. At the lookout, go back down by going alongside the vines to the right.

(12) At the end of the vines, take the path through the undergrowth which goes alongside the road (this path is not on the IGN map). On coming out of the path, go down the road on the right for 60m (you will see a DFCI-M15 path), then take the path going up to the right (Yellow cross on the ground on the road). After 200m, take the left-hand path at the crow's foot junction and go alongside the vines.

(13) On arriving at some large pine trees, go down between the vines on the left - you will see the 'Camp de César' opposite.

(14) Coming out of the vines (sign: Vigne des Sens/les couleurs de la vigne - 'Vines of the Senses/the colours of the vines'), follow the path with Yellow waymarking through the undergrowth which goes between tables and blocks of rock. The small path meets a wider path, take the path opposite that goes downhill and then continue to descend on the road to the right (sign: Vigne des Sens).

(15) At the Moure de Gorge crossroads, take the road on the left towards Chusclan.

(16) At the entry sign to Chusclan, turn right and then left and go straight on, going behind the cultural centre which you need to go around from the back to return to the car park (S/E).

I dedicate this hike to Robert, who inspired me for a large part of this route.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 39 m - Socio-cultural centre
  2. 1 : km 0.69 - alt. 41 m - T-junction, opposite
  3. 2 : km 1.64 - alt. 69 m - Granges 70m
  4. 3 : km 2.26 - alt. 146 m - Crossroads, turn left
  5. 4 : km 3.27 - alt. 204 m - Leave the track and take the path on the right
  6. 5 : km 5.6 - alt. 149 m - At the crossroads, turn right onto GR42
  7. 6 : km 5.73 - alt. 128 m - Leave the GR and turn left
  8. 7 : km 6.69 - alt. 92 m - EDF line, take the path on the left
  9. 8 : km 7.23 - alt. 90 m - Bois de la Rouvière, turn left
  10. 9 : km 8.82 - alt. 159 m - Gicon Farm
  11. 10 : km 10.37 - alt. 138 m - Corner of vineyard, take path opposite
  12. 11 : km 10.74 - alt. 146 m - At Gicon, take the path on the right. Viewpoint over - Rhône (le)
  13. 12 : km 11.36 - alt. 119 m - At the end of the vineyard, take the path on the right
  14. 13 : km 12.35 - alt. 100 m - Big pines, go down on the left
  15. 14 : km 12.48 - alt. 98 m - Minis" Menhirs
  16. 15 : km 13.06 - alt. 69 m - Moure de Gorge, take the road to the left
  17. 16 : km 13.43 - alt. 51 m - Turn right at the Chusclan sign
  18. S/E : km 15.07 - alt. 39 m - Socio-cultural centre

Practical information

Location:
Chusclan village in the Gard (30200)
Between Bagnols sur Cèze (13 min) and Avignon (33 min)
Region: Languedoc-Roussillon
Country: France
on Google Maps

During the wild boar hunting season (September - February inclusive), avoid the hunt days: Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. As a precaution, ask at the Town Hall for the exact hunt dates.

The Gicon farm is the ideal spot for a lunch break. There are tables and benches and it's sheltered from the elements. Access is free except if it has been reserved in advance by an association. Even if this is the case though, there is a beautiful clearing nearby.
Important: although the shelter is equipped with a corner fireplace, fires are fobidden (in the summer months).
The site is equipped with bins.

In the nearby area

From the Dent de Marcoule: viewpoint over the Rhone Valley and Mont Ventoux opposite, and also the Marcoule nuclear power plant which you overlook.
View of Château du Jonquier.
(13) view of the Camp de César plateau (Roman remains) opposite, and the valley on the other side.
Gicon farm. Location used by hunters. Ideal for a break.
Gicon Chapel.
Ruins of Château de Gicon, undergoing restoration. Panoramic orientation table.
View over Camp de César (above Laudun), Roman archaeological site above the village of Laudun (which is also a good location for beautiful walks).

 Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.3 / 5
Based on 42 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.3 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.2 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
Mimigm
Mimigm

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Mar 05, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Nice walk, done again for the second time
The Château de Gicon is a must-see and the view from the dent de Marcoule gives a panoramic view of the landscape.
However, at one point on the way back, we had difficulty finding our way. So we passed close to the vineyards

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anneG
anneG

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Mar 28, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

The start of the trail is very well signposted, perhaps a little too much DFCI.
After the château de Gicon, we had trouble finding the markers. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the visit to the château and the varied scenery.

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Dominique LAPORTE
Dominique LAPORTE

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Mar 30, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A pleasant, easy hike, with lovely views of the Rhône, Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail.
There's a nice architectural surprise on the way up and visit to the Château de Gicon.

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Rolande 30
Rolande 30

On the plateau yes, but on the path between 3 and 5 there was nothing apart from the path and go up on the dcni.

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langoat
langoat

Rolande 30: Interest in this disappointing circuit ?? Perhaps you need to learn to look. There are some lovely views over the Rhone valley, a pretty path down from the Dent de Marcoule, and the Château de Gicon is worth a look with its panoramic views.

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Rolande 30
Rolande 30
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of walk : Feb 19, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Busy trail : Yes

Hello, this is not a difficult hike but a medium one, although you should be familiar with medium hikes. What's more, the path between points 3 and 5 is not very pleasant, as you go down a path and come back up on a DFCI track, so there's nothing to see apart from the sporting aspect. We strongly advise you to take
the track to the left at the intersection at point 3. The picnic area at point 9 is pleasant and protected from the wind. At the château between points 9 and 10 there are many hikers and at the path between points 10 and 11 continue to follow the vines and do not take the small path recommended on the map as it is a nuisance and does not clear the undergrowth. After passing the orientation table, the paths are difficult (large ruts and ploughed by the rain). Arrived at point 12 big beat, we advise you to wear orange waistcoats for you and your animals, we finished the hike on the road from point 12 to 16. Too bad

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langoat
langoat
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Beautiful circuit. Well laid out. Easy to follow. Thank you

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GillesdeSVLC
GillesdeSVLC

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Feb 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Great hike, we enjoyed it, a bit chilly but that's the season.
With beautiful views over the Rhône valley
And its Château very good I recommend it
Thank you 👍

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langoat
langoat

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jan 20, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

Beautiful circuit. Well laid out. Easy to follow. Thank you

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Christian Roux
Christian Roux

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 27, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Superb 360° views of the Rhône valley

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Boubout23
Boubout23

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 06, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

We did this walk in the rain, which was a shame as the scenery was too misty. There were 2 of us and we did it at a brisk pace for 3 and a half hours. Next time we'll do it the other way round, as there will be some breathtaking climbs and it will be even more physical.

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lovéro
lovéro

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Mar 18, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Nice walk, interesting, varied, quite different scenery, the castle and chapel really very good
especially the castle. Very well signposted walk.

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PIERRE MONNIER
PIERRE MONNIER

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jan 13, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A beautiful hike with no difficulties. The Dent de Marcoule offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Rhône, snow-capped Mont Ventoux, the Drôme mountains and the Château de Jonquier. Gicon castle is well worth a visit.
Stop for a snack at Gicon farm, sheltered from the wind. Pretty little footpaths, vineyard paths, sandy tracks...
Don't hesitate to venture out.
PP and MM

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Oussaidi
Oussaidi

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Nov 26, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

It's an easy walk and Gicon Castle is well worth a visit. I would recommend it.

Slim

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DAMBIELLE
DAMBIELLE

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Nov 22, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

A great walk that takes you through a very pleasant forest environment

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